Hall of Fame Broadcaster Amos Brown dies

40-year radio veteran leaves a legacy of social justice in Indianapolis

Indianapolis radio broadcaster Amos Brown died while visiting family in Chicago last week. A release published by AM 1310 “The Light”, the station Brown worked for, stated that Brown collapsed of an apparent heart attack in his parents' home Friday. He was 64.

“Amos has touched the lives and hearts of hundreds of our Radio One family, both past and present. Amos has touched hundreds of thousands of our extended Radio Family who have tuned in or reached out to Amos Brown every day of his illustrious Hall of Fame Broadcast Career. A City is identified and driven by the depth and passion of our leader’s Civic commitment. Amos Brown was large among them. During Amos’s entire life he exemplified true passion and caring for the City of Indianapolis and definitively for the Community he loved to serve Our Hearts are with Amos’s immediate family and we ask that you support them in their grief and loss.” - Radio One Family of Indianapolis

Brown was known for his direct style when questioning city and state leaders about issues he felt were important to Indianapolis, specifically the African-American community. He was known for giving a voice to the voiceless in the city and for bringing attention to issues many in the mainstream media tended to avoid.

Brown joined the staff of WTLC-AM/FM in 1975 and worked there in many different capacities including station manager from 1981 - 1994. He was the director of strategic research in addition to his daily talk show at the time of his death.

News of Brown’s passing put Indianapolis in shock Saturday. Leaders around the city, state and nation continue to react to his sudden death.

“Today, Indianapolis has lost a true legend and friend. Amos Brown dedicated his life advocating for issues affecting African Americans. His passion for journalism and commitment to our community created the perfect recipe for sharing information that impacted our quality of life. We will miss our daily doses of "Afternoon's with Amos" and his weekly "Telling it Like It Is" column in The Indianapolis Recorder. While his voice may be silent, the legacy he created and the memories we shared, will live forever in our hearts and minds.” - Maggie Lewis, Indianapolis City-County Council President

Throughout its history, Indianapolis has been blessed with many African-American servants and leaders, one of those was Amos Brown. Over a 40 year career, Amos helped transform our African-American community and in large measure, our city as a whole. This community, and I personally, will miss his wisdom, his voice, his counsel. - Andre Carson, U.S. Representative (D-IN)

“Amos was a once-in-a-generation community leader and a tireless advocate for Hoosiers and all those who didn’t have a voice. Everyone in Indiana knew Amos and had so much respect for his work in the community. There will be others who will take up his causes and speak to the same issues, but there will never be another Amos. I send my sympathies and prayers to his family. We will all miss him.” - Joe Donnelly, U.S. Senate (D-IN)

“With the passing of Amos Brown, Indiana broadcasting lost a legend and Indianapolis lost a champion. Like so many of his admirers, Karen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of this gifted Hoosier broadcaster and passionate advocate for his community. For more than 40 years, Amos dedicated his life’s work to amplifying the voice of the Indianapolis community. From his studio and in countless civic causes, Amos Brown worked each and every day to improve the lives of his listeners and better our capitol city.While our politics often differed, Amos Brown never let that stand in the way of friendship and I will miss him very much. His example of civility and respect was a testimony to the character and heart of this good man. He leaves behind a lasting legacy and impact on this city and state that will never be forgotten. Karen and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers for comfort to Amos’ family, friends, and listeners at this difficult time.” - Mike Pence, Indiana governor

“I am so sad to hear of the passing of my friend, Amos Brown. For so many years he has been the voice and conscience of Indianapolis. As the Chairman of the Marion County Democratic Party and as a friend who relied on my friend Amos for so much, tonight I remember and grieve. Pray for Amos' family. Remember and celebrate our friend. Godspeed Amos. See ya' Doc.” - Joel Miller, Chairman, Marion County Democratic Party

"The Indiana Republican Party is shocked and saddened at the passing of Amos Brown. He was a fighter, an Indianapolis icon, and a radio Hall of Famer. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Amos's family. He will be deeply missed.”- Indiana Republican Party

"In so many ways, Amos Brown was the conscience of the Indianapolis community. Whenever there was a wrong, he tried to right it. Whenever there was injustice, he shone a light on it. And whenever someone in this city needed help, Amos was there to lead the way. In this community, he forever will be remembered as an unwavering crusader and champion for the lost, the last and the least. There will never be another Amos, and we can't imagine going to work on Monday without him on the air." - David Harris, Founder & CEO, The Mind Trust